tion when we came out of that struggle; and the money value in
the country now bears even a greater proportion to what it was then than
does the population. Surely each man has as strong a motive now to
preserve our liberties as each had then to establish them." The message
dwelt upon the encouraging facts "that the free institutions we enjoy
have developed the powers and improved the condition of our whole people
beyond any example in the world. Of this we now have a striking and an
impressive illustration. So large an army as the Government has now on
foot was never before known without a soldier in it but had taken his
place there of his own free choice. But more than this; there are many
single regiments whose members, one and another, possess full practical
knowledge of all the arts, sciences, professions, and whatever else,
whether useful or elegant, is known in the world; and there is scarcely
one from which there could not be selected a President, a Cabinet, a
Congress, and perhaps a Court, abundantly competent to administer the
Government itself." Finally, and eloquently, the message demonstrated
the significance of the war in its effect upon the liberties and
prayers of all mankind. This message again illustrates Lincoln's
singular power of stating clearly and convincingly the nature and
exigencies of the struggle for the Preservation of the Union. Said he:

This is essentially a people's contest. On the side of the Union it
is a struggle for maintaining in the world that form and substance
of government whose leading object is to elevate the condition of
men; to lift artificial weights from all shoulders; to clear the
paths of laudable pursuits for all; to afford all an unfettered
start and a fair chance in the race of life. Yielding to partial
and temporary departures, from necessity, this is the leading
object of the Government for whose existence we contend. I am most
happy to believe that the plain people understand and appreciate
this. It is worthy of note that while, in this the Government's
hour of trial, large numbers of those in the army and navy who have
been favored with the offices have resigned and proved false to the
hand which had pampered them, not one common soldier or common
sailor is known to have deserted his flag. Great honor is due to
those officers who remained true, despite the example of their
treacherous a